Catalina 270 vs Santana 27
How do the Catalina 270 and Santana 27 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 270 
Santana 27 | Catalina 270 | Santana 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.0 ft8.23 m | 27.0 ft8.24 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 22.5 ft6.86 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 4.3 ft1.30 m |
| Displacement | 6,400 lb2,903 kg | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Ballast | 2,000 lb907 kg | 2,300 lb1,043 kg |
| Sail area | 319 ft²29.6 m² | 348 ft²32.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.81 | 19.04 |
| Displacement / Length | 235 | 196 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.5 | 17.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.12 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.4 |
Catalina 270 vs Santana 27: the short version
- The Catalina 270 and Santana 27 are close in length (27.0 ft8.23 m vs 27.0 ft8.24 m ).
- The Catalina 270 is heavier, displacing about 28% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Santana 27 carries the more powerful rig (19.0 vs 14.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 270 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Santana 27 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.12).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.